Saturday, 30 November 2013

Overview:
Weekend was almost getting wasted with Saturday spent at home the whole day and almost half of Sunday was over. I suddenly remembered a place which could be done in half a day but the distance was a bit of a concern. Markonahalli reservoir was around 110 kms from Bangalore and it was around 2pm. We made up our mind and started on our bike. We had a pleasant ride with no traffic on the road leading to Magadi. The roads were also in a healthy condition leaving a small stretch inside Magadi town. We hit Kunigal town in around 1.5 hrs. In those days the Kunigal bypass road was not ready. We knew that we are almost there so we didnt stop anywhere after that. There are a series of restaurants on the right side of the road on this stretch near Yediyur. After the 2nd restaurant where the KSRTC buses stop, we enquired about the route. We had to turn left at a place which is very easily missed. Markonahalli in around 5 kms from the highway. We saw many bikes and cars parked near the dam and realised that this is not an unknown destination to many people. The reservoir was huge and is served by the Shimsha waters. We could see water all around, with the golden rays of the sun falling on the clear waters. The partly cloudy conditions further enhanced the beauty of the place. We roamed around the reservoir for a while and then decided to venture inside a canal which proved to be too good. We could see a variety of birds near the canal and as it was evening time, they were in good numbers. It was great to relax there for a while and do some photography.After sunset we decided to head back towards Bangalore which marked the end of a very short but a nice biking trip. Its an ideal place if you have nothing to do and have half a day to spare. How to reach: Take the NH 48 towards Mangalore, watch out for 3 restaurants on the right side between Kunigal and Yediyur. After the 2nd restaurant where KSRTC buses halt, as for directions. Turn left towards Markonahalli which is around 5 kms from the highway.All buses towards Hassan halt at Yediyur. From Yediyur, hire an auto to reach Markonahalli.Reference:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShimshaMap:

Saturday, 23 November 2013

This Post is a part of the Hoysala Diary. Please Click here to read the main postOverview: Around 33 kms from Arsikere is the town of Javagal. Known for Lakshminarasimhaswamy temple built in typical Hoysala style and has an entrance. There are excellent carvings depicting war scenes from the epics. The main deity of Narasimha is around 1000 years old belonging to the Hoysala dynasty.
The temple is lined with intricate carvings from the Mahabharata and other mythological stories.
References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshminarasimha_Temple,_JavagalHow to reach:By Car: We started from Bangalore taking the Bangalore-Mangalore road, before Bellur Cross, watch out for a sign board indicating Turuvekere. Turn left and reach Turuvekere. From there proceed towards Aralaguppe, from there, take the forest road which leads to Arsikere. From there Haranahalli is around 8kms. After Haranahalli, we proceeded towards Javagal.Food/Accommodation: Accommodation is available in Arsikere. So plan to reach Arsikere by evening to make the night stay.Map:

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Overview:Kaidala: Introducing the little known village in Tumkur District- Kaidala. This village is known to be the birth place of the great architect of the Hoysalas, Jakanachari. Jakanachari started his art work from the ChennaKeshava temple at Somnathpura, Mysore district. The sculptures were crafted by the Jakanacheri under the Hoysala king Narasimha and commander Soma. Impressed by his amazing craftsmanship, he won several contracts to be built under the Hoysalas in Hassan district, Chikamagalur district and Mandya district; the remains of which can be seen and admired today. One of the biggest pieces of his excellence came when he was involved in the contruction of the majestic Chennakeshava temple in Belur. It was during this construction of the Belur temple when Jakanachari's son Dankanachari, alleges that the main idol in the temple is defective. Jakanachari, clearly not impressed with this, challenges his son that if he is proved correct, he would cut off his right hand. On inspection of the idol, it was indeed found that the idol had a small cavity which was occupied by a frog and wet mud. Disappointed with his negligence, as promised, he cuts off his right hand. Dankanachari, on getting this news, immediately decides to work with his father on installation of a Chennakeshava temple in Kaidala, his native place. Jakanachari sculpts the idol with his left hand, and miraculously his right hand is restored. Hence the name of the place, which was initially Kridapura, was named Kaidala, 'Kai' means 'Hand' in Kannada.The temple has a simple look as opposed to other temples of his times. But inside the temple is the breath taking idol of Chennakeshava which is far more impressive than the other temples. The intricate carvings make it look absolutely stunning. Also there is a hole on the wall through which the sunlight comes and directly hits the idol on certain days which is just amazing. No wonder a movie is also based on the life of Jakanachari.Next to this temple is another temple belonging to the Hoysala era, the Gangadheeshwara temple which was locked from outside. We just peeped inside through the grilled doors, we could only see some pillars with carvings.Seebi: Another 32 kms North west of Kaidala is the temple of Narasimha Swamy at Seebi. This place is known for its paintings on the beams and ceilings of this temple. The paintings depict the avatars of Vishnu and instances from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kaidala Narsimhaswamy temple is widely known and it is believed that the wishes are fulfilled by the God if asked with dedication. Food is also served in the temple premises. Photography is restricted within the temple though. How to reach: Take the NH4 to Tumkur, before reching Tumkur, watch out for a left turn towards Shimoga and Gubbi. Turn left and continue for around 7 kms before taking a left turn towards Gulur. Kaidala is around 2 kms from Gulur.Seebi is situated on the National Highway 4. To reach there from Kaidala, drive back towards Gulur, from there head towards Tumkur town and proceed towards NH4 towards Sira. Watch out for boards on the left side showing directions for Seebi Narasimhaswamy temple. The temple is also visible from the highway on the right side while coming from Tumkur.Reference:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amarashilpi_Jakanacharihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEEBIMap:

About Me

India, as I see it, is a land of surprises. Imagine everything under the sun, we have it- Beaches, Snow, Desert, Hills, Mountains, Rivers, Oceans, Islands, Gulf, Natural Caves, Waterfalls, Places of worship, relics of ancient civilizations... Given an average life of 60 years, I can only wish to cover atleast 20% of the exotic country.